Medical Terminology: Nervous System and Mental Health Conditions

Vocabulary flashcards for the nervous system and mental health conditions from a medical terminology lecture.

Herpes Zoster/Shingles

An eruption of blisters on the skin due to the reactivation of the herpes virus along an affected nerve.

Hydrocephalus

Accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection.

Spina Bifida

A severe congenital disease of the spine where the vertebral bones are not fused properly, causing nervous tissue to protrude outward.

Meningomyelocele

Herniation or protrusion of the meninges and spinal cord material.

Multiple Sclerosis

An autoimmune disorder causing hard plaques to develop along the axons of neurons, compromising bodily functions.

Parkinson's Disease

A degenerative nervous system disorder characterized by stooped gait, shuffling walk, and tremors, caused by the death of cells in the substantia nigra.

Poliomyelitis (Polio)

Viral infection affecting the gray matter of the spinal cord.

Radiculopathy

Disease of the nerve roots.

Sleep Apnea

Interruption of breathing during sleep.

Subdural Hematoma

Collection of blood below the dura mater, usually due to head trauma.

Tourette's Syndrome

A tic disorder with random, involuntary vocalizations.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Temporary cerebral dysfunction, usually caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain.

Agoraphobia

Irrational fear of leaving one's home or going outside.

Babinski Sign/Reflex

A test to determine if there is brain or spinal nerve injury.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Electrical recording of electrical activity of the brain.

Lumbar Puncture

Procedure where a needle is inserted into the lower back to aspirate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Imaging technique used to look at anatomical structures.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan)

Imaging technique using nuclear medicine to show activity, such as blood flow, in certain areas of the brain.

Craniectomy

Excision or removal of part of the cranium to access the brain.

Craniotomy

Incision into the skull to access the brain.

Cranioplasty

Repair of the skull.

Ganglionectomy

Excision of a ganglion.

Laminectomy

Removal of a piece of the lamina of a vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.